Fusion-io IPO Shows Facebook Favors Flash

Chips called flash memory, a fixture in portable devices, are also starting to have a wide impact in computer rooms. A startup called Fusio-io has helped lead the push, and Facebook users turn out to be among the beneficiaries.

The connection emerged in a prospectus that the Salt Lake City company recently filed for an initial public offering, which turned out successfully on Thursday. Fusion-io’s IPO priced well above its original estimates and experienced a nice initial pop–taking its market value to about $1.8 billion.

Flash chips are popular in devices like iPhones and iPads because they save data when current is turned off, unlike some other memory chips. They also feature low power consumption, which extends battery life. But another attribute–speed–is why they are starting to be used in servers.

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